Squint in adults, also known as strabismus, occurs when the eyes do not align properly. It can cause double vision, reduced depth perception, eye strain and self-confidence concerns. Learn about the common causes, symptoms and available treatment options, including prism glasses, Botox injections and squint surgery, at Bansal Eye Hospital, Ambala.
Squint is not just a cosmetic concern—it is a medical condition that affects how your eyes work together. In adults, a squint (medically called strabismus) can cause double vision, depth perception loss, eye strain, and significant social anxiety. The good news is that effective treatments are available, and adults can benefit from correction at any age.
At Bansal Eye Hospital, we have been providing advanced eye care since 1995 and understand the unique challenges adult squint patients face. This guide explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
Squint, or strabismus, is a condition where the two eyes do not point in the same direction at the same time. While one eye looks straight ahead, the other may turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward, or downward . The misalignment may be constant or intermittent—appearing only when you are tired, daydreaming, or focusing on certain tasks .
In adults, squint can be a continuation of a childhood condition that was never fully corrected, or it can develop for the first time in adulthood due to an underlying health issue .
Adult squint has several possible causes, and identifying the root cause is essential for choosing the right treatment.
Some adults had a mild squint as children that was corrected or compensated for naturally. As eye muscles weaken with age—a process called decompensation—the misalignment can reappear .
Stroke is a leading cause of adult-onset strabismus . Other neurological causes include:
Diabetes and hypertension, which can impair blood flow to the nerves controlling eye muscles
Mini-strokes or cranial nerve damage
Brain tumors affecting the brainstem or eye
Graves' disease and other thyroid conditions can cause the eye muscles to become inflamed or thickened, leading to misalignment—even when thyroid hormone levels are controlled .
Head injuries, eye injuries, or damage to the nerves or muscles that control eye movement can result in strabismus .
Vision loss in one eye from any eye disease
Guillain-Barré syndrome, botulism, or shellfish poisoning (rare)
Family history of strabismus (increases risk)
Adults who develop squint often experience symptoms that children with the condition may not report. Common symptoms include:
Double vision (diplopia): The most troubling symptom for adults with new-onset squint. Because the brain has already learned to fuse images from both eyes, a sudden misalignment causes two overlapping images .
Loss of depth perception (stereo vision): Difficulty judging distances, which affects driving, sports, and everyday tasks .
Eye strain and fatigue: Headaches, blurred vision, and pain around the eyes, especially after reading or screen use .
Abnormal head posture: Tilting or turning the head to compensate for double vision, which can lead to neck discomfort over time .
Visual confusion: Perceiving two different images superimposed in the same space—particularly dangerous when driving .
Many adults with squint report concerns about appearance, social relationships, and work opportunities . The condition can affect self-confidence and may lead to social withdrawal.
Treatment for adult squint depends on the type, severity, and cause of the misalignment. Options range from non-surgical approaches to surgery.
Prisms ground into or attached to eyeglass lenses can help align images and eliminate double vision. This is a common non-surgical option, especially for mild or intermittent squint . Prisms do not cure the squint but manage symptoms effectively.
Botox can be injected into an overactive eye muscle to temporarily weaken it, allowing the eyes to realign. Effects typically last about three months. This option is often used for intermittent squint or as a trial before surgery .
Surgery is the most common definitive treatment for adult squint. The procedure involves repositioning the eye muscles to improve alignment. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and in some cases, fine adjustments are made in the recovery room to optimize results .
What to expect:
Performed under local or general anesthesia
Typically takes 30–90 minutes
Most patients notice improvement within days
Adjustable suture technique may be used for precise alignment
Vision therapy—eye exercises to improve coordination—is more effective in children. In adults, it may play a supportive role but is rarely sufficient as a standalone treatment for significant squint .
If squint is caused by an underlying condition such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or a neurological issue, managing that condition is an essential part of treatment. Your ophthalmologist will coordinate with other specialists as needed.
Success rates for adult squint surgery are encouraging.
80–90% of adults achieve satisfactory eye alignment after a single surgery
Some studies report success rates of 70–85% for primary squint surgery, with higher rates for simpler cases
At Mass Eye and Ear, 85.2% of adult patients had successful outcomes at six months after surgery
Double vision: Many patients experience significant reduction or elimination of double vision
Depth perception: Adults with acquired squint (from trauma, nerve palsy, etc.) have better prospects for recovering binocular vision because their brains had normal fusion before the condition developed
Cosmetic improvement: Eye alignment is noticeably improved, often leading to increased self-confidence
Quality of life: Patients report improved ability to drive, work, and participate in social activities
Adults who have had squint since childhood may not develop new binocular (3-D) vision after surgery, because the neural pathways for fusion were never established during childhood . However, the cosmetic and psychosocial benefits are still substantial.
Approximately 10–20% of patients may need a second procedure for fine-tuning . This is a normal part of squint management, not a complication.
Bansal Eye Hospital has been a trusted name in Ambala since 1995. We combine decades of clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic and surgical technology.
40+ years of combined surgical experience
Comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your squint
Personalized treatment planning—from prism glasses to surgery
NABH accredited facility with stringent safety standards
24/7 emergency eye care
75,000+ patients treated with a 99% success rate
Our team, led by Dr. VK Bansal (MBBS, DOMS, MNERF USA), Dr. Mohit Bansal (MBBS, MS PGI, FVRS), and Dr. Ashish Bansal (MBBS, MS PGI, FRCS), brings specialized expertise in strabismus, cornea, and retinal care.
Yes. Squint surgery is effective for adults at any age. While children have an advantage in developing binocular vision, adults achieve excellent alignment and cosmetic results .
The surgery itself is not painful—you will receive anesthesia. Most patients experience mild discomfort during recovery, which can be managed with prescribed medication.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your procedure.
In some cases, the eyes may drift over time, particularly with certain types of squint. About 10–20% of patients may need a second procedure . Regular follow-up helps monitor alignment.
Glasses with prisms can help manage double vision, but they do not cure the underlying misalignment. Surgery is usually needed for a permanent correction.
If you or someone you know is living with squint, don't wait. Adult squint is treatable, and the benefits—both functional and emotional—can be life-changing.
At Bansal Eye Hospital, we will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your squint and recommend the treatment that best suits your needs.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Clear, aligned vision is within reach.
Book a free consultation with Dr. VK Bansal today. Life is better in clear vision.